By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com
April 5, 2011
On March 28th (2011), AmmoLand published a Steyr Arms press release on the new Steyr C9-A1 high-capacity 9mm pistol (9mm Parabellum/9x19mm NATO), which boasts an impressive 17+1 ammo capacity, and, with it’s shortened slide and 3.6-inch (3.6″) barrel, is designed specifically for both concealed carry (CCW) and dynamic tactical use, combining the respective attributes of the Steyr M-A1 full-size and Steyr S-A1 compact (3.6″ barrel) series pistols. Specifically, the Steyr C9-A1 would appear to combine the M-A1′s frame with the S-A1′s slide and barrel. Just like those pistols, the C9-A1 features a Mil-Std-1913 “Picatinny” rail system on the dust cover portion of the grip frame.
The Steyr C9-A1 pistol also features Steyr’s newly-redesigned Reset Action System (RAS) trigger mechanism that was introduced in December 2010, right before SHOT Show 2011, keyed safety lock system.
The Steyr C9-A1 pistol fetures a very low bore axis that would appear to be comparable to the HK P7 series squeeze-cocking pistols (HK P7M13 and HK P7M8), which would appear to be slightly lower than the Glock and Smith & Wesson (S&W) M&P series pistols. The Steyr pistols also sport a highly-angled grip. This grip angle, combined with the aforementioned low bore axis, should theoretically work to reduce muzzle flip and shot-to-shot split times. DefenseReview would be interested to see how the Steyr pistols compare to Glock and S&W M&P pistols in competitive shooting events like 3-Gun competitions. Perhaps Defense Review contributor Jeff Gurwitch can shed some light on this, at some point.
Steyr Arms C9-A1 Pistol Specs:
Model: C9-A1
Purpose: Self-defense
Manufacturer: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH Kleinraming, Austria
Importer: Steyr Arms, Inc.
Operation: Semiautomatic
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger [9x19mm NATO/9mm Parabellum]
Slide material: Steel
Magazine type/capacity: Double-stack steel box/17 rounds
Barrel: 3.6-inch cold-hammer-forged
Rifling: Conventional, 6 grooves, RH twist
Sights: Drift-adjustable three-dot configuration
Finish: Mannox
Trigger type: Reset Action System (DAO with integrated safety)
Pull weight: 5 pounds
Frame material: Reinforced polymer
Checkering: Anti-slip stippled texture
Weight, empty: 1.6 pounds
Overall length: 6.7 inches
Height: 5.1 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Included accessories: Owners manual, lockable box, extra magazine
MSRP: $649
Photo(s) Credit: Steyr Arms
Company Contact Info:
Steyr Arms
7661 Commerce Lane
Trussville, AL 35173
Phone: 205-655-8299
Fax: 205-655-7078
Email Contact Form: http://www.steyrarms.com/contact
Website: http://www.steyrarms.com
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